Overview

Alnus cordata is a columnar upright tree in the genus Alnus, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 25.0 m tall. Alnus cordata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, hedging and screens and low maintenance. It is native to Corse.

About

Alnus cordata, the Italian alder, is a tree or shrub species belonging to the family Betulaceae, and native to the southern Apennine Mountains and the north-eastern mountains of Corsica. It has been introduced in Sicily, Sardinia, and more recently in Central-Northern Italy, other European countries and extra-European countries, where it has become naturalised.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alnus cordata

About the genus

Alders are trees of the genus Alnus in the birch family Betulaceae. The genus includes about 35 species of monoecious trees and shrubs, a few reaching a large size, distributed throughout the north temperate zone with a few species extending into Central America, as well as the northern and southern Andes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Alder", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alder

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Alnus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet
Aspect
West-facing
Exposure
Full sun
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Alnus cordata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Tree
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
25.0 m
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens, Hedging and screens, Low Maintenance
Native to
Corse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Alnus cordata

Propagation
Seed, Cuttings
Pest resistance
Alder sucker, Leaf-mining sawflies
Disease resistance
Phytophthora, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Alnus cordata?

Alnus cordata prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Alnus cordata need?

Alnus cordata grows best in loamy and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained to wet.

How big does Alnus cordata grow?

Alnus cordata reaches a height of 25.0 m.

Is Alnus cordata hardy in the UK?

Alnus cordata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Alnus cordata?

Seed, Cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal